University of Texas Summer Orientation

I would recommend FRI. The first Fall semester of it is a waste of time, but once you get in the lab, it's pretty fun. I made some of my best friends in college during FRI because we spent so much time in lab together. The FRI program is a huge advantage at UT because it's an easy way for undergraduates to get into a research program. Join it if you can.

 

No just apply asap. Google their website, they'll have an online app.

 

I joined as a regular undergrad. You need permission to sign up for Research Methods class, though, which I assume consists of an application. When I was a freshman, it was the second year they were doing it and not as bureaucratic. So I just gave them a call, said I was interested, and they lifted the restriction. I guess it's tougher nowadays.

 

Were you into spelling bees as a kid by any chance?

 

OK, I have just now noticed this thread and I have lived in Andrews for 1.5 years. It was awesome. I was in Liberal Arts Honors, though, so sorry I can't tell you anything about the ALEKS test. We were also told to avoid FIGS since LAH kind of takes the place of a FIG, so I don't know anything about them either. It sounds like something that would get you well acquainted with the University though. As for West Campus, I lived there for one semester, just 3 blocks from campus. It was great. I could walk everywhere I needed to go. With a bike, I could get to Jester in under 5 minutes. I'd say it took about 3 minutes. Of course, it was a BMX, which is the best for getting around campus and West Campus due to ease of maneuverability, but not so great for long distances as you can imagine. I've lived in the Villas on Guadalupe for a year now, which is right next to Duren, but off campus. So far, nothing's beat living in the dorms. It's so much fun, especially in the Honors dorms. Of course, the Honors dorms have been completely different each year. I love living close to campus so much, I refuse to leave. I'm moving back to West Campus again next year. It's just so convenient to be able to walk to the places you need to go most, which are of course on campus. As for parking, I haven't had a problem. If I used my car on a daily or even a weekly basis, it might be problematic, but when you can walk everywhere, that's quite unnecessary. I only use my car to go to the supermarket or if I'm going out of town. And you will find that there are certain times of day when parking spaces clear up a little bit. That's when you want to go do a car errand. This is of course if you don't have parking associated with your apartment complex, which most people do. I opted out of mine just to be cheap and save $50 a month and like I said, it hasn't been a problem. As for West Campus noise, I lived directly across from Cain & Abel's which is way loud 6 days a week. However, it goes silent every night at 2AM. And I could only hear it when I was in my bedroom because it was on the streetside. Going into the living room was an easy fix to the problem, if I really wanted quiet. Usually, however, I didn't mind. If you're busy all day, which I'm sure you will be, it's easy to fall asleep to the sound of Pearl Jam and the equally nonsensical screaming of drunk 22 year olds.

So, that's my take on living accommodations. I ended up writing a lot more than I expected.

 

Man, I'm def. coming to Texas next year, though it'll be hard to leave San Antonio, the place is so great, they have so much around here....

 

I'll be at Texas next year as well. I will probably not stand this place in College Station. OMfg, Howdy howdy howdy! Fml.

 

Haha those ******* Aggies... Longhorn for life!!!!!!!!!!

 

Lol. F'sho!

Go to College Confidential and under the UT forum. Lots of great information over there.

 

I would definitely recommend FRI as well. You end up taking a class called research methods in the Fall (take it with Laude if you can, but that class is usually reserved for Dean's Scholars and Plan II kids). In the Spring, you choose a research stream where you learn basic techniques. Then over the summer and the fall semester after, you start you own project. They used to have you apply during orientation, but I guess you can do it online now too (I'm not sure).

And if you want to do an honors program, check out the Dean's Scholars program, which is the natural science honors program. I was a part of it, and it was a great experience because you take all the same classes and do alot of activities together. You won't be able to get into until the Spring semester, and the application for it is usually due in december for entry in the spring.

 

I don't know about December, but you can apply each semester. Thus, in Fall you can apply for Spring. I'd double-check the date, though. December sounds very late.

 

Clearly, that depends entirely on your credentials. Obviously, a high GPA is a must along with involvement in extracurricular stuff, the more science-related, the better. It's a tough program to get into. But obviously that means it's pretty darn good and it will help you achieve your future goals, so there's no harm in trying. You'll have to write a few essays. I remember a few years back there was one about applying the scientific method to your life or something. I thought that was really funny.